Advice For Parents Of Young Autistic Children - Autism Today

NATIONAL SOCIETIES
Autism Research Institute: Directed by Bernard Rimland, a parent of an autistic adult and a leading advocate of
research on autism. Publishes a quarterly newsletter summarizing current research on autism, and maintains a
website full of relevant information about autism. ARI also sponsors the Defeat Autism Now! approach to autism.
DAN! conferences, held bi-annually, are the leading conferences on biomedical treatments for autism. Contact:
www.AutismResearchInstitute.com, fax: 619-563-6840.
Autism Society of America: 1-800-3-AUTISM; www.autism-society.org/ Publishes a newsletter, sends monthly
emails, hosts a national meeting and maintains a good website. Most importantly, they are the major lobbying body
for people with autism, including efforts to increase research on autism, increase education opportunities, and
generally improve the lives of people with autism. Parents should be encouraged to join and support the ASA.
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT): www.feat.org Provides valuable information regarding Applied
Behavior Analysis
SUGGESTED READING:
Facing Autism by Lynn Hamilton. This is one of the first books parents should read. It tells how one mother helped
her child recover from autism, and it gives a good overview of testing, treatments, and resources.
Children with Starving Brains, by Jacquelyn McCandless, MD. This is probably the best book on the medical
conditions of people with autism and how to treat them. Available from www.amazon.com.
Biomedical Assessment Options for Children with Autism and Related Problems by Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. and Sidney
Baker, M.D.. Recommended series of tests and treatments for autistic individuals and those with related disorders.
Available from the Autism Research Institute 4182 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116,
www.AutismResearchInstitute.com; fax: (619) 563-6840.
Biological Basis of Autism by William Shaw, Ph.D. Available from Great Plains Laboratory (913) 341-8949,
www.greatplainslaboratory.com Covers many biological issues and treatments, including yeast/bacterial infections
and casein-free/gluten free diets.
Relationship Development Intervention with Children, Adolescents and Adults by Steven E. Gutstein, Ph.D. and
Rachelle K. Sheely.
Let Me Hear Your Voice by Catherine Maurice A story of how one mother helped her autistic child with ABA.
Autism, Handle With Care by Gail Gillingham. Book deals with the sensory issues often seen in people with autism.
Unraveling the Mystery of Autism & PDD: A Mother's Story of Research and Recovery by Karyn Seroussi.
Discusses one mothers successful search for interventions for her child, with a focus on wheat-free, dairy-free diets.
Special Diets for Special Kids, by Lisa Lewis. Recipes for wheat-free, dairy-free foods. Available from
www.autismndi.com
Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Temple Grandin and Margaret M. Scariano (contributor).
Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports from My Life With Autism by Temple Grandin.
“Little Rainman” by Karen L. Simmons.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
1) Attend one or more parent support groups: Parents can be a wonderful source of support and information. There
are over 200 chapters of the Autism Society of America, over 70 chapters of FEAT, and other informal parent
support groups. Consider joining at least one.
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